Buying a GF HKEK, What Size ??

I went to ride them the other day. Im by no means a tall guy at all....Im about 5'7", maybe 5'8".

I drove the 17.5 frame and it just felt kinda small....Almost like my other bike did..Like I have TOO much control almost... I rode the 19 around and it defiently felt bigger and better just a bit less control than the 17.5.

Im coming off a junk GT mountain bike with a really small frame that Ive owned since about 1998 so bare with me guys....

I just kinda wanted to make the thread to see what people are riding?? If you are inbetween sizes, if you went up a size or down a size. Its a huge decision since is $1000.

Anyother question, how do you like the bike ?? Of course the question comes up of, do I go with rear suspension or not. Im kinda leaning towards NOT.

I'm 5'11", and I ride a 17.5", so I'm thinking 19" might be big on you. Then again, YMMV. Are you actually going to ride this bike off-road on actual singletrack? If so, I wouldn't go with the 19" unless you really feel you need a longer top tube. Oh, and more control is a GOOD thing. Trust me.

A big consideration is where you ride. If it's technical XC, then the 19" will become more than you can handle, and at the worst time - typically around a sharp turn with a some roots and a big pointy rock on the other side. If you don't have to turn quickly, bunnyhop, ride steeps or do anything overtly difficult, then go for the larger frame. Perhaps a cyclocross bike is more up your alley?

First of all, overall rider height isn't the critical measurement for bike sizing. Inseam is. Measure your inseam and see how that compares with other riders.

For instance, I'm 6'0", but I've got short legs, so I generally feel comfy on a smaller frame with a longer stem. Someone who is 5'10" with longer legs might be more comfy on a larger frame with a short stem.

Ask the shop to let you try the 17" with a slightly longer stem.

In between sizes on a mountain bike, I would generally steer towards a smaller frame. Too many instances where a lower top tube can save the "boyz" if you know what I mean.

Also, a smaller frame is stronger due to the shorter tubes making up the frame.

Are you locked into buying a Gary Fisher? Have you tried other brands?

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger

I like Gary Fisher. I always have looked at a Gary Fisher as a great bike, and definetly my next "real" bike....I really havent looked into any other different brands at all.

I guess when I go up there sat for the 19", Ill look at the 17.5" again and make a decision. Like I said, I rode both and cant really tell if one is more comfortable than the other. I just feel like the 17.5" frame feels tiny compared to the 19"

FWIW, if you (the OP) really are in the 5'7/5'8 height range, I would say that a 19 HKEK (Fisher size LARGE) would definitely be too big; can't imagine anyone my height (5'9) or shorter, no matter one's leg/torso relative proportions, fitting properly on the 19. The 17.5 is a Medium -- you're right smack in the height range, if anything you could probably size down, rather than up, but probably the 17.5 is exactly right. I wonder: are you reacting to the fact that Fisher's current h/t frame design "looks" very small/compact, because of the radically-dropped top tube (great for standover clearance)? I say this because if you go by effective toptube/reach, the bike (Medium) is plenty "big" even with the stock 90mm stem.